Today, good health goes beyond exercise and diet—it also encompasses what goes on in our mind. When we are feeling depressed or anxious, our bodies react. Over time, this can lead to health problems. There is a story about a wise old doctor whose patient came to see him and said she was depressed. The doctor’s reaction was surprising to her. He said, “That’s good. Now that you know there’s something wrong, you need to make a change in your life!”
Today, women face many issues that can impact their emotional and mental health. This may include how to adjust to changing roles (such as breadwinner wives and stay at home dads), online dating, the choice of whether or not to have children and many more concerns.
When women need help, they often seek counseling. The job of a counselor is to guide patients through the process of addressing issues and creating change in their life. Counselors are taught to remain objective, and what is said to them remains private. There are a variety of options for counseling. Depending on the needs of the patient, counseling may include individual or group sessions, or both.
Sometimes, women are afraid to admit they have an issue and resort to means other than counseling to change how they feel. They may drink too much or use drugs to lessen the mental pain they are experiencing. When these individuals stop using a substance, they are flooded with emotions that are difficult to deal with alone.
It takes courage to seek help but realizing that professional resources are available can help you address the issues in your life and make the necessary changes to become the best version of you. If you would like to learn more about counseling, Southwest General’s Oakview Behavioral Health Services offers an assessment to help determine if you can benefit from group or individual counseling.
